Wearable electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including an elongated apparatus structure configured to fit around a body part of a user and an actuator configured to change shape of the elongated apparatus structure. The actuator is configured to change tightness of the elongated apparatus structure around the body part of the user based on an action the apparatus is performing.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to wearable electronic devices.

BACKGROUND ART

Electronic devices can be made of elastic, flexible or bendable materialthereby enabling production of wearable electronic devices such as awrist band or a chest band.

SUMMARY

According to a first example aspect of the invention there is providedan apparatus comprising

an elongated apparatus structure configured to fit around a body part ofa user;an actuator configured to change shape of the elongated apparatusstructure;wherein the actuator is configured to change tightness of the elongatedapparatus structure around the body part of the user based on an actionthe apparatus is performing.

According to a second example aspect of the invention there is provideda method comprising

controlling an apparatus comprising an elongated apparatus structureconfigured to fit around a body part of a user and an actuatorconfigured to change shape of the elongated apparatus structure; andcontrolling the actuator to change tightness of the elongated apparatusstructure around the body part of the user based on an action theapparatus is performing.

In an example implementation there is provided a computer programproduct comprising computer code for causing performing the method ofany example aspect of the invention, when executed by an apparatus.

In an example implementation there is provided a non-transitory memorymedium comprising computer code for causing performing the method of anyexample aspect of the invention, when executed by an apparatus.

Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments of the presentinvention have been illustrated in the foregoing. The above embodimentsare used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may beutilized in implementations of the present invention. Some embodimentsmay be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of theinvention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments mayapply to other example aspects as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described, by way of example only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention in a bent position;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention in a loosened position;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention in a tightened position;

FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5C shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus according to anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some example embodiments of the present invention and potentialadvantages are understood by referring to FIGS. 1 through 9 of thedrawings.

According to an example embodiment there is provided shaping and/ortightening of a wearable device with an actuator. The wearable device isfor example a wrist band, a chest band, an ankle band or some otherdevice comprising an elongated apparatus structure (e.g. a strap or aband) configured to fit around a body part or body extension of a user.The elongated apparatus structure is made of a suitable elastic,stretchable, flexible or bendable material (such as plastic, textile, orsheet metal), for example. Alternatively the elongated apparatusstructure can be made of several strict or tough non-bendable parts(made of plastic, metal, or glass for example) that are linked to eachother with a mechanical hinge or flexible/stretchable material to formthe elongated structure. The actuator can be used for example forbending the elongated apparatus structure into a circular, oval,elliptical or the like form suited for being fitted around a body partor body extension of a user. It is to be noted that there may be oneactuator or a plurality of actuators.

In an embodiment the actuator is configured to change tightness of theelongated apparatus structure around the body part of the user based onan action that is being performed by the wearable device or by aphysically separate device or apparatus part that communicates with thewearable device over a communication connection. In an example, theshape of the elongated apparatus structure is changed automaticallywithout specific user input or user action.

In an example embodiment the actuator is configured to change the shapeof the elongated apparatus structure linearly so that any shape isavailable. In an alternative the actuator is configured to provide astepwise shape change so that for example three different shapes orpositions are provided. In an example embodiment there are an unbentposition and two bent positions. In an example embodiment there are anunbent position, a loose fitting position and a tight fitting position.These examples are discussed in more detail in connection with FIGS.1-4.

The method that is used for controlling the actuator depends on whattype actuator is used. In an embodiment an actuator made of a shapememory alloy is used. In this case the shape change can be linear. Theshape change is provided by changing current or voltage used forcontrolling the actuator and the shape depends on the current or voltagelevel. Alternatively there may be a locking mechanism that locks theapparatus structure to desired shape/shapes.

In this solution power needs to be used only for driving the apparatusstructure to the desired shape and thereafter the locking mechanismmaintains the shape and power to the actuator can be switched offthereby saving energy.

In an alternative solution, the actuator can comprise a motor or alinear motor with appropriate mechanisms. In that case the shape changecan be linear or stepwise without significant effect on powerconsumption.

In an example embodiment, the elongated apparatus structure is part of awearable garment, such as a glove, sock, shirt or jacket.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The apparatus comprises anelongated apparatus structure 110 and an actuator 120. The actuator 120is for example a wire made of shape memory material fitted along thelength of the elongated apparatus structure. The actuator 120 isconfigured to change shape of the elongated apparatus structure 110. InFIG. 1 the elongated apparatus structure is shown an unbent position.

Herein it needs to be understood that the shape memory material is onlyone example of possible actuator. As an alternative, the actuator cancomprise a motor or a linear motor accompanied with appropriatemechanisms.—In an example embodiment the actuator comprises a motor witha reduction gear and a ball of wire. The wire is fixed to one end of theelongated strap and the motor with the reduction gear and the ball ofwire into the other end. In an example embodiment the actuator comprisesa linear motor with a flexible rod. The flexible rod is fixed to one endof the elongated strap and the linear motor with the flexible rod intothe other end.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic view of an apparatus 100 according to anexample embodiment of the invention in a bent position. The apparatus100 comprises an elongated apparatus structure 110 bent into a circularform. The circular form suits well for being fitted around a wrist orsome other body part of a user. Alternatively the elongated apparatusstructure 110 can be configured to take oval or elliptical or some othersuitable form.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention in a loosened or loose fitting position. Theapparatus comprises a wrist band 300, which is fitted around user'swrist 310. In the shown loosened position there is a gap 320 formedbetween user's wrist 310 and the wrist band 300.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of an apparatus according to an exampleembodiment of the invention in a tightened or tight fitting position.The apparatus comprises a wrist band 300, which is fitted around user'swrist 310. In the shown tightened position the wrist band 300 is incontact with user's skin or tightened against the user's wrist, i.e.there is minimal gap 330 or no gap at all formed between user's wrist310 and the wrist band 300.

FIG. 5A shows a schematic view of an apparatus 500 according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 500 comprises anelongated apparatus structure 510 and a user interface unit 520 on asurface of the elongated apparatus structure 510. The elongatedapparatus structure 510 is configured to be fitted around a body part ofa user. Further the apparatus 500 comprises an actuator (not shown forthe sake of clarity) configured to change shape of the elongatedapparatus structure 510.

The user interface unit 520 comprises for example a touch sensitivedisplay. The touch sensitive display comprises for example a touchsensor for detecting the touch of the user. In an example embodiment,the touch sensor comprises a resistive, a surface acoustic wave, acapacitive—such as a surface capacitance, a projected capacitance, amutual capacitance, or self-capacitance—an infrared, an optical, adispersive signal and/or acoustic pulse recognition touch sensor or anarray thereof. A skilled person appreciates that the user interfaceunit, in a further example embodiment, comprises further elements suchas hardware or soft buttons or further display units. In a furtherexample embodiment, the user interface unit 520 is covered with a glass.It is to be understood that in addition to the user interface unit 520shown in FIG. 5A the apparatus 500 can comprise other elements, such asa processor or a communication unit.

FIG. 5B shows a schematic view of an apparatus 550 according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 550 comprises anelongated apparatus structure 510 and two sensors 560 and 561 on asurface of the elongated apparatus structure 510. The sensors are forexample sensors configured to measure heart rate, blood pressure, orskin moisture. The elongated apparatus structure 510 is configured to befitted around a body part of a user. Further the apparatus 550 comprisesan actuator (not shown for the sake of clarity) configured to changeshape of the elongated apparatus structure 510. In an example embodimentthe actuator is configured to change the shape of the elongatedapparatus structure so that the elongated apparatus structure istightened around the body part of the user when the sensors are inoperation, i.e. collect data.

FIG. 5C shows a schematic view of an apparatus 570 according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 570 comprises anelongated apparatus structure 510 and an electronic device 580. Theelongated apparatus structure 510 is configured to be fitted around abody part of a user. The electronic device 580 and the elongatedapparatus structure 510 are configured to communicate with each otherover a wireless communication connection 581, such as a Bluetoothconnection. Further the apparatus 570 comprises an actuator (not shownfor the sake of clarity) configured to change shape of the elongatedapparatus structure 510. In an example embodiment the actuator isconfigured to change the shape of the elongated apparatus structure sothat tightness of the elongated apparatus structure 510 around the bodypart of the user is changed depending on activity in the electronicdevice 580. In an example embodiment a processor in the electronicdevice 580 is configured to control the actuator to change the shape ofthe elongated apparatus structure 510 over the wireless connection 581.

FIG. 6 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 600 according toan example embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 600 comprises acommunication interface module 650, a processor 640 coupled to thecommunication interface module 650, and a memory 660 coupled to theprocessor 640. The apparatus further comprises an actuator 630 and auser interface (U/I) unit 620, such as a touch sensitive display, whichare coupled to the processor 640. In an example embodiment, theapparatus 600 further comprises one or more sensors configured tomeasure for example heart rate or skin moisture.

The memory 660 comprises a work memory and a non-volatile memory such asa read-only memory, flash memory, optical or magnetic memory.

In the memory 660, typically at least initially in the non-volatilememory, there is stored software 670 operable to be loaded into andexecuted by the processor 640. The software 670 may comprise one or moresoftware modules and can be in the form of a computer program productthat is software stored in a memory medium.

It shall be understood that any coupling in this document refers tofunctional or operational coupling; there may be intervening componentsor circuitries in between coupled elements unless expressly otherwisedescribed.

The communication interface module 650 is configured to provide localcommunications over one or more local links. The links may be wiredand/or wireless links. The communication interface 650 may further oralternatively implement telecommunication links suited for establishinglinks with other users or for data transfer, e.g. using the Internet.Such telecommunication links may be links using any of: wireless localarea network links, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband, cellular or satellitecommunication links. The communication interface 650 may be integratedinto the apparatus 600 or into an adapter or card that may be insertedinto a suitable slot or port of the apparatus 600. While FIG. 6 showsone communication interface 650, the apparatus may comprise a pluralityof communication interfaces 650. In a further example embodiment, theapparatus further 600 comprises a near field communication (NFC) unit.

The processor 640 is, for instance, a central processing unit (CPU), amicroprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a graphics processingunit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a fieldprogrammable gate array, a microcontroller or a combination of suchelements. FIG. 6 shows one processor 640, but the apparatus 600 maycomprise a plurality of processors. In an example embodiment theprocessor is configured, in response to certain activity in theprocessor or in the apparatus 600, to control the actuator 630 to changeshape of the apparatus 600, and particularly to control the actuator 630to change tightness of the apparatus 600 around a body part of a user ortightness of a suitable part of the apparatus 600 around a body part ofa user.

As mentioned in the foregoing, the memory 660 may comprise volatile anda non-volatile memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a programmableread-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),a random-access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a data disk, an opticalstorage, a magnetic storage or a smart card. In some exampleembodiments, only volatile or non-volatile memory is present in theapparatus 600. Moreover, in some example embodiments, the apparatuscomprises a plurality of memories. In some example embodiments, variouselements are integrated. For instance, the memory 660 can be constructedas a part of the apparatus 600 or inserted for example into a slot or aport. Further still, the memory 660 may serve the sole purpose ofstoring data, or it may be constructed as a part of an apparatus servingother purposes, such as processing data. Similar options are thinkablealso for various other elements.

A skilled person appreciates that in addition to the elements shown inFIG. 6, the apparatus 600 may comprise other elements, such asmicrophones, displays, as well as additional circuitry such as a cameraunit, further input/output (I/O) circuitries, memory chips,application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), processing circuitryfor specific purposes such as source coding/decoding circuitry, channelcoding/decoding circuitry and ciphering/deciphering circuitry.Additionally, the apparatus 600 may comprise a disposable orrechargeable battery (not shown) for powering the apparatus if externalpower supply is not available.

It is also useful to realize that the term apparatus is used in thisdocument with varying scope. In some of the broader claims and examples,the apparatus may refer to only a subset of the features presented inFIG. 6 or even be implemented without any one of the features of FIG. 6.

The term apparatus may refer to a single physical apparatus or to anapparatus comprising two or more physically separate parts. One needs tounderstand that elements shown in FIG. 6 for example may be implementedin more than one physically separate parts. There may be for example awearable part and a separate other part forming the apparatus. Differentparts forming the apparatus may communicate with each other over asuitable wireless communication link. For example, the term apparatusmay refer to a combination of a wrist band and an electronic device,such as a mobile phone.

FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The method may be performed forexample by the apparatus 100, 300, 500, 550, 570 or 600 of previousFigures. In phase 710 of the method, the apparatus performs an action,and in phase 720, an actuator is controlled to change tightness of anelongated apparatus structure, such as a band or a strap, around a bodypart of a user based on the action. Examples of suitable actions includefor example: collection of data using one or more sensors, receipt of anincoming call or message, detection of a need to alert the user, and thelike. In an example the elongated apparatus structure is a wrist bandand the wrist band is tightened or loosened around a wrist of the userbased on the action.

In an example embodiment of the invention, the apparatus performing theaction is part of the band that is fitted around the body part of theuser. In another example, the apparatus performing the action is aseparate apparatus that is configured to communicate with a processingunit in the band over a suitable wireless communication connection.

FIG. 8 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The method may be performed forexample by the apparatus 100, 300, 500, 550, 570 or 600 of previousFigures. In this example there are one or more sensors arranged in anelongated apparatus structure, such as a band, that is fitted around abody part of a user. In phase 810 of the method, an actuator iscontrolled to tighten the band around the body part of the user whilethe sensors collect data. The band may be tightened for example when theapparatus initiates collection of data through the sensors. In phase820, the actuator is controlled to loosen the band around the body partof the user in response to the sensors ending collection of data. In anexample the elongated apparatus structure is a wrist band and the wristband is tightened or loosened around a wrist of the user.

For collection of data, e.g. heart rate, blood pressure or skinmoisture, through sensors it is advantageous that the sensors are incontact with skin of the user. When the sensors do not collect datathere is no need to have a skin contact, though. Use of the band is morepleasant to the user if the band is not at all times tightened aroundthe user's wrist or other body part. Therefore better user experiencecan be achieved by automatically loosening the band when the sensors endcollection of data and by automatically tightening the band for theduration of the sensors collecting data.

For collection of data, e.g. heart rate, blood pressure or skinmoisture, through sensors it is advantageous that the pressure withwhich the sensors are in contact with the skin of the user isreproducible. In an example embodiment one or more of the followingmechanisms are included in the band for ensuring that the pressure isthe same for all measurements: a pressure sensor configured to detectband's compression force against the skin, a strain-gauge transducerconfigured to detect curvature of the band, a shape memory alloyactuator configured to detect curvature of the band (the resistance of ashape memory alloy wire changes when the length of the wire changes andthis can be used for curvature detection).

FIG. 9 shows a flow diagram illustrating a method according to anexample embodiment of the invention. The method may be performed forexample by the apparatus 100, 300, 500, 550, 570 or 600 of previousFigures. In phase 910 of the method, activity in an apparatus isdetected. For example, it is detected that an incoming call or messageis received, or an alert is triggered (such as low battery charginglevel, reminder in a calendar, availability of new information etc.). Inphase 920, an actuator is controlled to change shape of an elongatedapparatus structure, such as a band or a strap, in order to changetightness of the elongated apparatus structure around a body part of auser as an indication of the activity. In an example the elongatedapparatus structure is a wrist band and the wrist band is tightened orloosened around a wrist of the user as an indication of the activity. Inan example the band is periodically tightened and loosened. In this waya new type of user interaction is provided. In an example, the user canbe informed of an action without the user needing to look at the devicesince the user senses the band being tightened around the wrist or otherbody part.

In this example the apparatus in which the activity is detected can bepart of the band that is fitted around the body part of the user.Alternatively, the apparatus in which the activity is detected can be aseparate apparatus that is configured to communicate with a processingunit in the band over a suitable wireless communication connection.

Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application ofthe claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of theexample embodiments disclosed herein is to provide that one size bandfits all. There may be settings in a memory comprising parameters thatdefine how the band shall fit to a user. There may be for example asetting that defines the pressure with which the band is in contact withthe skin of the user and/or a setting that defines certain curvature forthe band. When the band is fitted to a new user these settings andappropriate sensors and other mechanisms are used for providing fittingthat corresponds to the settings. In an example embodiment these settingare user-adjustable. In an example embodiment one or more of thefollowing mechanisms are included in the band for ensuring that the bandfits any user (for controlling bending of the band so that theparameters defined in the settings are met): a pressure sensorconfigured to detect band's compression force against the skin of theuser, a strain-gauge transducer configured to detect curvature of theband, a shape memory alloy actuator configured to detect curvature ofthe band (the resistance of a shape memory alloy wire changes when thelength of the wire changes and this can be used for curvaturedetection).

Another technical effect of one or more of the example embodimentsdisclosed herein is improved user experience due to the band beingtightened only when sensors collect data. Another technical effect ofone or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is to providereliable measuring due to the band being tightened with the same forceevery time. Another technical effect of one or more of the exampleembodiments disclosed herein is to provide possibility for new type ofuser interaction. For example, the band can be configured to tighten foran indication of an incoming call or text message or as an indication ofsome other action taking place. As another example of user interaction,the band can be configured to tighten and loosen in cycle to providevibrating feedback.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed ina different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, ifdesired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional ormay be combined.

Although various aspects of the invention are set out in the independentclaims, other aspects of the invention comprise other combinations offeatures from the described embodiments and/or the dependent claims withthe features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinationsexplicitly set out in the claims.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes exampleembodiments of the invention, these descriptions should not be viewed ina limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modificationswhich may be made without departing from the scope of the presentinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. An apparatus comprising: an elongated apparatus structure configuredto fit around a body part of a user; an actuator configured to changeshape of the elongated apparatus structure; wherein the actuator isconfigured to change tightness of the elongated apparatus structurearound the body part of the user based on an action the apparatus isperforming.
 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, the actuator isconfigured to tighten the elongated apparatus structure around the bodypart of the user based on the action the apparatus is performing.
 3. Anapparatus according to claim 1, the actuator is configured to loosen theelongated apparatus structure around the body part of the user based onthe action the apparatus is performing.
 4. An apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising at least one sensor, wherein the actuator isconfigured to tighten the elongated apparatus structure around the bodypart of the user in response to the sensor initiating collection ofdata.
 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising at leastone sensor, wherein the actuator is configured to loosen the elongatedapparatus structure around the body part of the user in response to thesensor ending collection of data.
 6. An apparatus according to claim 4,wherein the sensor is configured to measure heart rate or skin moistureor blood pressure.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theactuator is configured to change tightness of the elongated apparatusstructure around the body part of the user as an indication of activityin the apparatus.
 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein theactuator comprises shape memory material.
 9. An apparatus according toclaim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a motor.
 10. An apparatusaccording to claim 1, further comprising a user interface unit.
 11. Anapparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a memory; acommunications unit; and a processing unit.
 12. An apparatus accordingto claim 11, wherein the processing unit is configured to control theactuator to change tightness the elongated apparatus structure aroundthe body part as an indication of activity in the processing unit. 13.An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the processing unit and theelongated apparatus structure are physically separate and the processingunit is configured to control, over a wireless communication connection,the actuator to change tightness the elongated apparatus structurearound the body part.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 11, whereinthe actuator is configured to change tightness of the elongatedapparatus structure around the body part of the user as an indication ofan incoming call or message received at the communications unit.
 15. Amethod comprising controlling an apparatus comprising an elongatedapparatus structure configured to fit around a body part of a user andan actuator configured to change shape of the elongated apparatusstructure; and controlling the actuator to change tightness of theelongated apparatus structure around the body part of the user based onan action the apparatus is performing.
 16. A method according to claim15, further comprising tightening the elongated apparatus structurearound the body part of the user based on the action the apparatus isperforming.
 17. A method according to claim 15, further comprisingloosening the elongated apparatus structure around the body part of theuser based on the action the apparatus is performing.
 18. A methodaccording to claim 15, further comprising tightening the elongatedapparatus structure around the body part of the user in response to atleast one sensor of the apparatus collecting data.
 19. A methodaccording to claim 15, further comprising changing tightness of theelongated structure around the body part as an indication of activity ina processing unit of the apparatus.
 20. A method according to claim 15,further comprising changing tightness of the elongated apparatusstructure around the body part of the user as an indication of anincoming call or message.